One of my favorite experiences on a Danube River cruise is standing on the upper deck as the ship sails from Budapest at night. Add Christmas lights and it becomes even more memorable. As I stood on the deck of the Viking Vilhjalm on a cold December night in 2023, the lights of the Parliament building reflecting on the Danube, I felt that yes, the Viking Danube Christmas Delights cruise was very much worth it.
I’d been on the Danube River with Viking Cruises before, but never for Christmas markets. In fact, I’d never been to any European Christmas markets. Now I understand why these cruises book months in advance. The 2026 season sold out by October.
Some posts on this site may contain affiliate links which means if you buy something through one of these links I get a small commission. It helps me keep the site running. Merci.
Why a Christmas markets cruise is worth the hype
Let me keep it short and to the point: If you love Christmas and lament that it is only one day a year, well, every day at the markets is like Christmas. If you embark on a week long river cruise, you’ve just given yourself seven more days of Christmas.
Advent markets are a tradition in many cities (especially in Germany), and they have hundreds of years of history. Markets are a way for a community to gather, enjoy seasonal food and drink, music, and take home unique and handmade gifts you can’t buy on Amazon.
Now that I’ve experienced the Christmas markets via a river cruise, would I recommend it? Absolutely! In addition to experiencing port cities on the Danube River decked for the holidays, the cruise ship also felt cozier, with people gathered together to celebrate the season. The festive decor, along with Viking’s special holiday programs and dining events added to the holiday cheer.
Highlights of the Danube Christmas Delights River Cruise
-
- Visit multiple Christmas markets in just one week!
- Walk at night in the markets with a warm cup of glühwein.
- Take a food tour in Budapest and walk along the river at night.
- Hearing the Salzburg Sound of Music Singers onboard Viking Viljalm Note: the onboard entertainment may vary from ship to ship.
- Wine tasting at Göttweig Abbey (I’m a WSET certified wine professional)
Viking Danube Christmas Delights itinerary
The itinerary sails between Budapest and Passau with a stop in every country, though Austria gets three stops.
Budapest: Where I took a walking food and history tour stopping for glühwein and schnapps.
Bratislava: I ate halušky, a dish made with sheep’s cheese and potato dumplings — perfect for cold wintry weather.
Vienna: I got up early and took the metro into the city. However you get there, go early. Once the markets open the city gets crowded quickly.
Krems: We went to Göttweig Abbey and enjoyed the views and the wine, some of the best in the Wachau Valley. I brought home some of the apricot spirits the monks make.
Linz: This was my first time in Linz. Try a Linzer torte and notice the lighted angels hanging above the streets, a symbol of Linz.
Passau: The best port for original art and so many different food stalls. I bought an owl carved from wood harvested in the Black Forest. Don’t miss St. Stephen’s Cathedral where the organ is billed as one of the largest in the world. In December there are no solo organ recitals but there are other musical events that include the organ. There is likely to be something during your stay in Passau.
Fashion Street Budapest
Benefits of seeing the markets by river cruise
Traveling by cruise ship allows you to visit multiple markets in each port, or as many as are available. Some of the smaller cities only have one or two markets. Larger cities, like Vienna, will have many more markets to choose from.
Save time
Viking makes it so convenient by including some of the markets as part of a shore excursion, especially in Vienna and Budapest. If you want to go to other markets the tour director can help you with locations and transportation. No need to spend hours scrolling the internet to find dates, times, and locations for markets. When you’re planning to go to multiple markets, this is a huge time saver. Note that most markets close on December 24th or 25th, though a few are open afterward. This will vary from city to city.
Vienna
If you take a morning excursion or tour it will usually end at one of the markets. Your Viking guide will provide tickets for a complimentary mug of gluhwëin. Many people collect the mugs at each market as a souvenir. I noticed that the locals either returned theirs or left them on a table…that’s what I chose to do. Sometimes I wish I had brought just one cup home!
Unpacking only once
Another great feature of a river cruise is that your hotel moves with you. You only unpack once, saving so much time. This is one of my favorite aspects of a river cruise. More time to enjoy traveling and less time spent on organizing the trip details is a true luxury.
Can you walk from the ship to the city center?
On the Danube River you can walk off the ship and into the city center at every port with the exception of Vienna. There, Viking will provide transportation by bus or you can take the metro or a ride share. I’ve taken the metro in Vienna…it’s very easy and safe. The historic area is not far from the river but it would be a long walk.
Bratislava, Slovakia
How much does the Christmas Delights cruise cost?
The cost of your cruise depends on a few factors, mainly which room type you book. The price ranges from about $3500 to upwards of $10,000 per person. If you want to save some money book a standard stateroom. If you want a little more space you could book a French balcony room for a difference of approximately $1000.
I have found that Viking’s rates for airfare are better than any I can find. A bonus is that Viking will pick you up at the arrival airport and take you to your departure airport if they also book your airfare.
In general, everything you do will be included in the total price of the cruise. Your room, meals, wifi, transportation from the airport to the ship, and return to the airport (if Viking books your flight). Beer, wine, and soft drinks are also included. There’s always at least one included tour per day. Optional tours are usually an extra charge.
You can add tips to your bill in advance, a practice I find very convenient. Viking has a recommended minimum, but you can pay whatever you wish, simply put it on your final bill. 
Are shore excursions the same on the Viking Danube Christmas Delights cruise?
Yes, shore excursions are scheduled as usual, though there may be fewer options. People naturally want to go to the markets, and the schedules are adjusted to accommodate the season. Also, hours of operation at attractions vary from season to season. Morning city walks and tours usually conclude at, or near, a Christmas market.
You will have plenty of time on your own to explore the markets, drink something hot, and taste some of the seasonal traditions. There’s never any pressure to take a tour. If it’s too cold you can stay on the ship relaxing in the cozy ambiance. If you need help with how to get to a market, the tour director will help you. I’ve written a detailed guide about the ports and shore excursions on the Danube Waltz (a smilier itinerary).
Are you ready to create your own Christmas traditions on the Danube?
What to expect on your Viking Longship
Christmas decor enhances the understated elegance of the Viking longship’s Scandinavian design. Every detail immerses you in the fun and festivity of the season. A beautiful tree greets you as you board and all of the common areas are warmly decorated.
While the purpose of the cruise is focused on the markets, there’s a lot happening each evening on board the ship, from regional singers and dancers to cooking lessons. Our first night on the cruise the Viking crew sang us Christmas Carols while we all contributed our own hand made ornaments to the tree.
Another evening, we enjoyed a traditional Austrian dinner followed by music and a Christmas Quiz in the lounge with the tour director.
The most special evening on board was listening to the Salzburg Sound of Music Singers in the lounge. They sang classics by Mozart, and Stolz, and familiar tunes from the Sound of Music. It was an absolutely beautiful evening.
There is usually at least one cooking demonstration…of course we made gingerbread men, or to be more exact, the chef showed us how and we decorated them and ate them. Fun, and tasty.
Staterooms
Like the rest of the ship, staterooms are decorated in a modern Scandinavian design. You can move from one Viking cruise ship to the next and the rooms will be consistent. Rooms have two twin beds that are pushed together to create a king unless you request otherwise. All rooms have outside views: some have windows, French balconies, or a veranda. I had a veranda and while I did like it, I usually don’t spend much time in my room. If you want to save some money, book a French balcony or a standard stateroom.
A few other details: your room is serviced daily unless you put the do not disturb on. Fresh, bottled water in glass bottles is replenished. A schedule with information and tips for each port is delivered. There’s a safe for valuables and a laundry service. I took advantage of this on a Rhine River cruise because it was so hot and the cruise was two weeks long.
Food and drink
Meals on board are always delicious but be sure to save room for tasting all the great food at the markets. Everything is very seasonal, and some are only available during the holidays.
There’s only one main dining room and it’s open seating. I love this because I can sit with someone different every night. Other people stake out a table and try to sit in the same spot. If you’re an introvert, a river cruise is probably not a good option.
Menus include one classic menu that doesn’t change throughout the cruise. This menu will include things like a Caesar salad, hamburgers, or a steak. The second menu changes daily and is focused on regional tastes and seasonings.
Regional favorites
I absolutely love the food in this part of the world. In Central Europe, the food is hearty and includes goulash, schnitzel, sausages, fresh cheeses, and accompaniments. There’s always one themed night, as well. On the Danube, it’s Austrian night featuring sausages, beer, pretzels, cabbage, and other Austrian delights. Sounds a bit like Germany, doesn’t it?
A choice of a red and white wine, beer, or soft drinks comes with the meal, but there are options for wines that are not included with the cost. Viking offers a Silver Spirits package that includes all of the alcohol you can drink, but if you prefer wine it may not be the best choice for you.
Is This Cruise Right for You?
This cruise is ideal if you:
- Love Christmas traditions and holiday atmosphere
- Prefer hassle-free travel (no packing /unpacking between cities)
- Enjoy socializing with fellow travelers
- Want to visit multiple countries without planning logistics
It may not be the best fit if you:
-
- Prefer complete independence and spontaneity
- Are on a tight budget
- Don’t enjoy structured group activities
- Want to spend multiple days in each city.
What is it like sailing the same itinerary twice?
The Danube Christmas Delights itinerary includes some of the most exciting and beautiful cities in the world: Vienna, Budapest, Linz, Passau, and Bratislava. I would happily travel this river over and over again, especially during Christmas. That’s just more time to scope out all of the markets I miss on other trips. Christmas carols, church bells, and festive music at each port add to the experience. Yes, you can travel the Danube in any season, but the festivities of the Christmas holidays are exclusive to that time of year.
When to book?
Christmas market cruises are among Viking’s most popular sailings and typically sell out 6-9 months in advance. If you’re hoping to sail during peak dates (the two weeks before Christmas), book even earlier—up to a year ahead. Shoulder season dates in late November and early December may have more availability and can offer a quieter, more relaxed experience at the markets.
Whether this is your first Viking river cruise or first time visiting Christmas markets, or both, there’s nothing to compare to experiencing the old world beauty during the Advent season. Onboard your ship, you’ll find a warm welcome and place to call home during your week on the Danube. I trust you will remember the experience for years to come. Since 2026 is sold out I recommend booking 2027 as soon as possible.
Extend your trip
Many people want to extend their trip either by arriving pre-cruise departure, or staying after disembarking. Popular cities for extension include Budapest, Vienna, Munich, and Prague. Viking Cruises offers customized packages for cities related to your itinerary.
If you’re more independent or are working with a smaller budget you can book a hotel on your own in any of these destinations. I have done so on almost every cruise. I stayed at Eurostar Danube and really enjoyed the hotel and the location. Check rates on Booking.com and Expedia. If you want to book tours and hotels all in one place try Trip.com
FAQ
Is a Viking Danube Christmas market cruise worth the cost?
Absolutely. When you factor in that accommodation, meals, wine and beer with dinner, wifi, airport transfers, and at least one excursion per port are all included, the value is exceptional. You’re essentially paying for a floating hotel that moves you effortlessly between some of Europe’s most beautiful cities during the most magical time of year.
What is glühwein and will I like it?
Glühwein is hot spiced wine, usually a red wine spiked with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and citrus peel. It’s the quintessential Christmas market drink and you’ll find it everywhere. Viking includes a complimentary mug at most market visits. You can keep the mug and many people collect them. Even if you’re not a big wine drinker, it’s worth trying at least once…it tastes like Christmas in a cup.
What should I pack for a Christmas markets river cruise?
Dressing in layers is essential. December temperatures along the Danube can drop well below freezing, especially at night in the open markets. A warm coat, waterproof boots, gloves, and a hat are essential. Hand warmers are a small luxury worth tucking into your bag. That said, the ship is warm and cozy so you won’t need heavy clothing onboard.
How many Christmas markets will I visit on the Viking Danube Christmas Delights cruise?
How many markets you visit is up to you. There are multiple markets in each port city, especially Budapest and Vienna. Vienna alone has dozens of markets to choose from. In one week you can easily visit eight to ten markets across four countries.
Is a Christmas market cruise good for solo travelers?
I think so. The communal nature of the cruise — shared meals, evening programs, group excursions — means you’re naturally surrounded by fellow travelers. The festive atmosphere makes conversation easy and the onboard activities like the Christmas quiz and carol singing bring everyone together.
